Client Story: A Lesson in Hope
At Catholic Charities, we invite every client to complete a brief survey at the end of their appointment. These
surveys help us better understand the challenges our clients face, how they experience our services, and how we
can continue to grow in compassion and care. One recent response stood out—a powerful reminder of the
impact a simple act of kindness can have during a time of need.
Meet “Sonya.” (Name has been changed to protect client privacy)
Though she had known about Catholic Charities for more than five years, this was Sonya’s first time reaching
out for help. A young married mother of two, Sonya was struggling to keep the lights on. Facing a utility shut-
off notice, she felt embarrassed and overwhelmed. “I didn’t know where else to turn,” she shared in her
comments.
She heard about Catholic Charities through her church and made the call—nervous, uncertain, and afraid of
what might happen next. But what she encountered was something she hadn’t expected: compassion.
“They were so kind to me,” Sonya recalled. “We talked a lot about how I arrived at this point in my life and
what changes I could make for my family in order to not have this happen again. As much as it hurt, I really
needed to hear this advice. It opened my eyes to what I wanted versus what my family actually needed.”
Sonya left her appointment feeling something she hadn’t felt in a long time—relief. She described her
experience as “very satisfying,” said she was treated with dignity and respect, and listed “kind” as the word that
best described Catholic Charities.
When asked how likely she would be to recommend Catholic Charities to a friend or colleague, she responded
with a 10—“Extremely likely.”
Her words remind us that every person who walks through our doors carries more than just paperwork or past-
due notices. They carry hopes, fears, and a deep desire to build something better for themselves and their
families. And with every compassionate conversation, we walk alongside them—one step at a time.
